The Effects of Mixing Buprenorphine and Alcohol

The effects of mixing buprenorphine and alcohol may be unpredictable and can change between individuals. Side effects such as coma, respiratory depression, and other problems can occur if buprenorphine and alcohol are mixed. If you or someone you know is experiencing effects from mixing buprenorphine and alcohol, call a health care provider for more information and to take the steps necessary to stay healthy.

What is Buprenorphine Used For?

Buprenorphine is often used to treat heroin dependency, pain, and other diagnoses. It has some side effect on its own, such as headache, tiredness, abdominal pain, itching, rashes, tooth decay, and others. The risk for these side effects increases when the drug is mixed with other substances such as alcohol. Buprenorphine is a long-lasting drug, so it is important not to have any alcohol until it is out of your system. It can sometimes last over 24 hours. When mixed with depressants, which include alcohol, the risk for respiratory depression, coma, and death is increased. If you or someone you know would like more information about buprenorphine, call us.

Buprenorphine and Alcohol Treatment Options

Treatment for addiction to buprenorphine and alcohol is available. In most cases, the treatments help a person stop the use of the drug. Other treatments may focus on reducing the risk of harm while on the drug. Some treatment facilities, such as Cliffside Malibu, have specialty programs for alcohol abuse, buprenorphine abuse, and other substance addiction problems. If you or someone you know is addicted to buprenorphine and alcohol, it is best to contact a medical facility right away. Depending on a number of things, such as the other medications the individual is taking, the side effects of the mixture can be very dangerous. Often, treatment will be started after visiting a doctor’s office or medical facility for immediate care.

Treatment for buprenorphine can be necessary if a person has become dependent on the drug. Although buprenorphine is used to treat addiction to opiates, it may become addictive itself. Like the opiates it treats, buprenorphine is also an opiate, though it has less power than drugs like heroin. Buprenorphine is only used as a treatment for physical addiction, not for psychological dependency, so other treatments may be required.

Mixing Subutex or Suboxone and Alcohol

A buprenorphine treatment is completed with the use of two drugs: Subutex and suboxone. Subutex has similar effects to those of heroin and other opiates, but at a weaker level. Suboxone is an opiate antagonist that attempts to prevent relapse. This is the first part of treatment. The second part of the treatment focuses on the mental aspect of drug dependency.

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Other Drugs

• Subutex
• Suboxone
• Methadone
• Opiates
• Painkillers

Buprenorphine and Alcohol Treatment Facilities

Many treatment facilities will provide an atmosphere that is calm and luxurious, allowing the mood of the patients to be happier. This can help the emotional challenges that come with stopping the use of alcohol and drugs. Some centers will have special dietary plans in place that are nutritious and beneficial to the body. Others have fitness centers and places where a patient can relax, like a pool or Jacuzzi. Therapy is also a common part of treatment. This can be in the form of group therapy, massage therapy, counseling, life assessment, marriage therapy, and others. Therapy is particularly useful for helping with the psychological dependency for a drug. It can also benefit a patient by teaching him or her new behaviors to prevent relapse and drug or alcohol use.

Alcohol Counseling Programs

Alcohol counseling programs can be an effective way to deal with the issues underlying problem drinking. They can also be a way to learn strategies you can employ in the real world when trying to stay sober after treatment. Generally, counseling works best when combined with other treatment methods.

The effects of mixing buprenorphine and alcohol can be life-threatening, so it’s important to recognize if a person is having problems with mixing these two substances. If you or a loved one would like more information about where to find a treatment center near you, contact us.